Jervois Global (ASX:JRV) will officially open its Idaho Cobalt Operations (ICO) mine site near Salmon, Idaho in the US today (7 October).
The company reports the mine is starting a commissioning phase during October, with equipment undergoing final completion test work ahead of continuous commercial concentrate production expected across Q4 2022.
Full nameplate capacity remains expected by the end of Q1 2023.
Full nameplate capacity remains expected by the end of Q1 2023
Once it is fully commissioned, ICO will be the only primary cobalt mine in the U.S. and will produce a cobalt concentrate, which will be refined into the critical metal necessary for electric vehicles (EVs), energy generation and distribution, defense and other industries.
Cobalt will play a key role in the transition to a low carbon economy. Due to its many strategic applications and significant supply chain risks, cobalt is on the official US government list of critical minerals and has been front and center in all U.S. Government strategies in this area in recent years, including the Biden administration’s 100-day review of critical US supply chains (June 2021).
Jervois will mark the occasion with a ceremony at the ICO mine site to be attended by its board of directors, US and Australian political figures, and signatories including Idaho Governor Brad Little; the Australian Ambassador to the US, including other dignitaries.
The ceremony will take place at 8,100 feet, surrounded by the Salmon Challis National Forest, which is managed by Jervois’ regulator, the US Forest Service. Jervois acknowledges the historical role of the Shoshone-Bannock and Nez Perce Tribes on the lands.
Jervois’ strategy at ICO through each of development, upcoming mine operations and, in future years, rehabilitation, is to ensure that Idaho’s pristine natural environment, including its waterways, wilderness and air quality, remain protected.
Jervois’s ESG policies and standards are being implemented in Idaho, underpinning its strategy to become a leading global supplier of responsibly sourced battery minerals product.
Jervois notes that it is proud to be commissioning ICO to expand the existing US cobalt market position of sales of cobalt from Jervois Finland into the US ICO in operation, which will advance the company’s strategy of becoming a supplier to the US auto industry in establishing a competitive and secure battery minerals supply chain.
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
Images: Jervois Global Ltd
